Caffeinated Sharks & Invisible Ocean Chemicals: What's in the Water?

Sharks in the Bahamas are swimming in waters that contain human medicines! This mission will help you discover how pollution travels and why it matters for ocean animals.

The Big Question

How do tiny bits of our human stuff end up in the ocean where sharks live?

What You'll Need

• A bathtub, large sink, or bucket
• Water
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Glitter or small confetti
• A spoon or dropper

Mission Steps

1. Fill the Tub. Fill your tub, sink, or bucket with clean water. This is your "ocean."
2. Add Pollutants. Add a few drops of different food colors and a pinch of glitter to the water. This represents medicines, caffeine, and other chemicals from people.
3. Stir Gently. Use the spoon or dropper to gently stir the water. Notice how the colors and glitter spread out.
4. Observe the Spread. Watch how the "pollutants" move through the water. Do they stay in one spot or travel everywhere?

Talk About It

• What did the food coloring and glitter represent in our "ocean"?
• How did stirring affect where the colors and glitter went?
• What does this tell us about how pollution might travel in the real ocean?

Take It Further

For older rangers (ages 9-12), research one specific type of pollution that affects ocean animals. Discuss how it gets into the water and what scientists are doing to track it. You could even draw a diagram showing the path of pollution from land to sea.

FAQ

Q: My child is worried about the sharks. What can I tell them? A: It's understandable to be concerned! You can explain that scientists are studying this to understand the problem better and find ways to protect ocean animals.

Q: Is this happening everywhere, not just the Bahamas? A: Yes, studies have found human-made chemicals in ocean animals in many different places around the world, showing it's a widespread issue.